What is included in Nose Feminization Surgery?

 Transgender faces do not align with their overall expression of gender assigned at birth, and so they seek facial plastic surgeries. For transwomen who desire to obtain a pleasing, feminine face, a nose feminization surgery is really worth it. In this article, what must be known about Nose Feminization in India is discussed.

 

 Knowing what’s done in nose feminization can help trans women have a clear picture of outcomes that can be attained by them. Also, what realistic expectations they should set, how they should be prepared for the surgery, and how they need to care for their nose after surgery for optimal results and recovery.     

 

Gender Wise Nose Features

 

The gender of an individual can be identified just by looking at the individual’s facial features. The nose is one of the focal features of the face that is different for a typical male and female and has a role in defining one’s face. Knowing about the typical masculine and feminine nose features can help one deeply understand what nose feminization surgery works with.

 

Here are the distinct nose features to learn:

 

• Male Noses- They are bigger, more prominent, and angular, and have a straight nasal bridge. There is a more closed nasolabial angle- the angle between the upper lip and nose.

• Female Noses- They are smaller, more refined, and have a subtle nasal bridge. There is a more open nasolabial angle. Overall, the nose and face look softer and more delicate.

 

What is Nose Feminization Surgery?

 

Nose feminization surgery, medically referred to as feminizing rhinoplasty, is a crucial component of facial feminization surgery that aims to transform a masculine nose to a feminine nose and aid in gender affirmation of a transwoman and even non-binary and cisgender women.

 

Its goals are:

 

• Nasal bridge reduction- to make the dorsum of the nose smaller, narrower, more concave, and less prominent.

• Nasal tip rotation and projection- to create a more elevated, refined, slender, upturned, youthful tip of the nose using sutures and grafts.

• Nasal width narrowing- to reduce the width of the bony nasal vault with osteotomy.

• Alar base reduction- to narrow the nostrils.

 

The Journey of Feminizing Rhinoplasty in India: A Detailed Process

 

Consultation

 

The surgeon will conduct a thorough, artistic, and aesthetic facial assessment to evaluate the patient’s face and nose anatomy (bone and cartilaginous structures) and the thickness/quality of the nose skin. A detailed, open discussion will be held, covering the patient’s medical records, medications, and desired changes to the nose. To show the patient possible surgery outcomes, digital morphing may be done. Finally, the surgeon will come up with a customised, detailed surgical plan and share the plan details and costing.

 

Preparation

 

Before the scheduled date of surgery arrives, the surgeon will ask the patient to:

 

• Switch to healthy lifestyle habits- no alcohol and smoking, well-rested sleep, healthy diet, active daily routine, and enough water intake.

• Go for pre-operative evaluation- blood tests or imaging.

• Stop intake of blood thinners or anything that could interfere with surgery outcomes.

• Make pre-arrangements for a driver, a caretaker, and supplies required for at-home recovery.  

 

The Surgery

 

Nose feminization surgery is an outpatient operation typically done under the effect of general anaesthesia and takes around 1-2 hours. It is usually carried out using an open approach, but can even be done by a closed approach. In an open approach, the surgeon will make an incision across the columella to ensure better access and visibility to the nasal bones and cartilages. However, in a closed approach, the incisions are confined within the nose and so are not noticeable.

 

Through the incisions, the surgeon will adjust, alter, or manipulate the cartilaginous tissues and bone, as per the set surgery goal, to create a new feminine nose skeleton. 

 

Result, Recovery, and Aftercare

 

The recovery is generally fast. The results start appearing as the mild side effects subside. The incision will usually heal and leave no visible mark. For 1-2 days, the patient will have to keep nasal packing and wear a nasal splint for 1-2 weeks. By 3-6 months, the major swelling resolves, and the nose starts taking its final shape. By a year, the desired outcomes are visible.

 

During the recovery, the patient is asked to:

 

• Rest and eat well.

• Avoid weight lifting, bending down, or any activity/thing that could put pressure on the nose.

• Apply a cold compress, sleep with your head raised, and practice proper incision care on the area of the nose operated upon for proper healing.

• Go for post-operative visits so that the medical team can check on the recovery progress.

• Take only medications prescribed by the surgeon.

 

Want more information about Rhinoplasty Cost in India? Arrange a consultation with Dr. Parag Telang at Designer Bodyz. He is known for his professionalism and experience in caring for binary and non-binary people, as well as ciswomen who desire a feminine facial appearance.